Job Title: Machine Operator

Job Description

The New Hire Utility role supports tube mill operations by learning to operate and assist with equipment used in extrusion and tube mill production, while handling aluminum products safely and efficiently. You start as a utility employee, rotating through multiple departments to learn machine operation, quality, packing, inspection, and material handling, before moving into a permanent department based on internal bidding processes. This position is hands-on, highly team-oriented, and requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to quality, and readiness to work in a unionized manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate equipment associated with the extrusion and tube mill processes, including casting and production machinery used for aluminum products.
• Support tube mill operations by moving materials on and off machines using proper lifting techniques and hoists, ensuring safe and efficient material flow.
• Perform general labor and production support tasks such as packing, assembly line work, loading, and basic machine operation as assigned.
• Assist machine operators with extrusion or casting equipment and participate in machine set-up, operation, and shutdown activities as needed.
• Conduct visual inspections and quality checks on products to ensure all quality objectives and standards are met, following established SOPs and quality control procedures.
• Report and review any unusual conditions, equipment issues, or safety concerns with lead operators or supervisors promptly.
• Work collaboratively on a production team, communicating frequently with team members and management to meet daily production and output goals.
• Follow safe job practices at all times, including proper use of PPE, adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining a clean and organized work area, including cleanup of grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids.
• Handle materials and inventory in a manufacturing environment, including loading, unloading, staging, and moving product using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Perform inspection, quality assurance, and quality control tasks, documenting results accurately and completing all required production and quality paperwork.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and other basic tools to support production, assembly, and machine operation tasks.

Essential Skills

• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or material handling environment.
• Experience in general labor and production support within a manufacturing or assembly line setting.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn machine operation, process flow, and basic troubleshooting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for documenting production, quality, and safety information accurately.
• Willingness and ability to learn forklift operation if not already experienced.
• Capability to work in a union environment and adhere to union-related guidelines on shifts and job bidding.
• Physical ability to frequently lift 15–50 lbs and occasionally up to 100 lbs with assistance, step over obstacles, work on and around machinery, and bend, push, and pull objects in excess of 15 lbs.
• Comfort working around grease, oil, and hydraulic fluids, and participating in cleanup activities related to metal manufacturing processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior machine operating experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment is encouraged.
• Experience in production, assembly, and material handling roles such as forklift operation, packaging, and general production work.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, extrusion, tube mill operations, or metals manufacturing is beneficial.
• Experience performing visual inspection and quality checks on manufactured products.
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality requirements.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Chesterfield, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.81 - $20.81/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the